Hello! 

It is wonderful to connect with you all again, and just as the World Health
Organization (WHO) has released updated guidelines on reducing the risk of dementia,
providing revived hope for our mission to support healthy ageing across Australia and
globally. Indeed, while there is no cure for dementia, up to 45% of the dementia risks can be attributed to modifiable factors. The updated guidelines reflect significant growth in the evidence base since the WHO first issued recommendations on dementia risk reduction in 2019.

The new edition provides consolidated recommendations on increasing physical
activity, stopping tobacco use, reducing alcohol consumption, adopting a healthy diet, and management of cardiometabolic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. For the first time, the WHO also makes recommendations around vision and hearing impairment, exposure to air pollution, sleep, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and HIV. The guidelines advise against the routine use of vitamin B, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, Hormone Replacement Therapy, or multivitamin supplements solely for dementia prevention where no deficiency has been diagnosed.

Two exciting lifestyle coaching dementia reduction trials to go ahead in Australia

The guidelines marry with a new study to expand Australia’s landmark Maintain Your Brain trial, which demonstrated that personalised online lifestyle coaching can delay the onset of dementia by one year. Led by Professor Henry Brodaty AO, the new initiative - Maintain Your Brain Plus (MYB+), will aim to recruit around 5000 people aged 45–79 from across Australia, with a focus on underserved rural and regional communities. For people aged 65 and over who are experiencing persistent memory concerns, there is the online CogCoach-Health program, that includes a brain training package and allied health consults. This study is now active on StepUp. Get involved and be a part of something groundbreaking!

Meet our Public Involvement Panel member: Elaine Todd

Elaine Todd is a former carer of a person living with dementia and has spent more than two decades advocating for people living with dementia, their families, and carers. Her lived experience has led to a long and active involvement in dementia advocacy, consumer networks, and community-focused initiatives.

Elaine was a founding member of the Consumer Dementia Research Network and an inaugural member of both the Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Consumer Group and Health Consumers NSW. She has also been involved with organisations including Carers NSW, COTA NSW, the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, and Alzheimer’s Australia NSW.

Across these roles, Elaine has contributed to projects and resources designed to improve understanding, care, and support for people living with dementia. Her work has helped bring the perspectives of carers and families into conversations about health services, aged care, allied health, oral care, medicines, and community support, helping make these services more responsive to real-life needs. 

Introducing Dr Sheridan Read: Researcher Involvement Panel Member

Dr Sheridan Read is a teaching and research academic in Nursing at Murdoch University with expertise in ageing, dementia care, and person-centred practice. Her research focuses on supporting people with dementia to live well across the trajectory of the condition, with particular interests in decision-making capacity, community participation, social inclusion, and reducing dementia-related stigma.  

Dr Read is passionate about promoting healthy ageing and exploring approaches that enable older adults to maintain independence, wellbeing, and meaningful engagement in their communities.

A strong advocate for consumer involvement in health professional education, Dr Read works collaboratively with people living with dementia and care partners to enhance nursing students' understanding of lived experience. Her teaching and research aim to ensure that the voices and experiences of consumers shape the development of compassionate, evidence-based nursing practice. 

New Studies on StepUp for Research

CogCoach-Health: As we get older, some of us notice changes in our memory or thinking. Research shows that healthy lifestyle habits, such as being physically active, eating well and keeping the mind active, may help to support brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. The research team from University of New South Wales are inviting people to take part in a research study to find out whether their online program can help people make healthy lifestyle changes to support their brain health. You may be able to join this study if you: 1) have noticed changes in your memory or thinking, or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); 2) are 65 years or older; 3) have at least one risk factor: insufficient physical activity, poor diet or low cognitive engagement; 4) can read, write and speak English comfortably; 5) are willing to complete an online course, lifestyle questionnaires, and take part in phone/video interviews; and 6) are willing to nominate a friend, family member or carer who is willing to answer a few questions about your memory and thinking at the beginning and end of the study. 

VR Shopping Tool for IADLs: The research team from University of Sydney are testing a Virtual Reality (VR) program called ShopWell VR, which is designed to help older adults practice everyday shopping skills, such as finding items in a supermarket, navigating store aisles and managing a budget. The aim of this study is to determine whether the program is practical to use and whether it may help support everyday thinking and daily living skills. This research is important because changes in memory and thinking can make everyday activities, such as shopping, more challenging.

The emotional wellbeing of informal care partners of people living with dementia: Researchers from Deakin University are conducting a study about emotional wellbeing in informal care partners of people living with dementia. The study will explore how self-critical and self-compassionate thoughts may relate to how care partners feel and cope in their caring role. The researchers are looking for informal care partners who provide unpaid, ongoing support to someone living with dementia. This may include a family member, spouse, friend, neighbour or other support person.

Sleep Treatment Survey: This research aims to understand how people choose between different treatments for insomnia (sleep problems), particularly in older adults and people living with dementia. Insomnia is very common in these groups and can affect quality of life, memory, mood, and risk of falls. There are several treatment options available, such as medications or non-drug approaches like exercise, but each has different benefits and drawbacks. The research team from Monash University will explore what matters most to people when making these decisions - for example, how much a treatment costs, how well it works, how much time it takes each day, and possible side effects such as impacts on memory or risk of falls. 

Note: If you are interested in any of the studies mentioned and have not registered on StepUp for Research yet, the first step is to sign up here. 

All About StepUp for Research

Upcoming Conferences/Events

15th Annual Illawarra Shoalhaven Dementia Public Forum – NSW (in-person): A community forum for people impacted by dementia, carers, families and community members. The program includes expert speakers, lived experience perspectives and practical information about dementia care and support. Wednesday 9 September, 10am–3pm at The Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow. More information and registration here.

The Dementia Symposium 2026 – WA (in-person): Hosted by Alzheimer’s WA, this one-day symposium will cover future directions in dementia care, ethical considerations, dementia-friendly communities and carer perspectives. It will take place on Wednesday 23 September at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Discount options may be available for carers, volunteers, students, family and friends. More information and registration here.

ACT Seniors & Better Ageing Expo 2026 – ACT (in-person): COTA ACT’s free community expo brings together exhibitors, presentations, demonstrations, performances and interactive displays for older people, carers, families and community members. The 2026 Expo will take place on Wednesday 23 September and Thursday 24 September at the Old Bus Depot Building, Kingston, during ACT Seniors Month. More information here.

Dementia Care Workshop for Carers – VIC (in-person): A free workshop for carers, offering practical information about supporting someone living with dementia. This session will take place on Thursday 27 August at 10am in Horsham. More information and registration here.

2026 Treasure the Moment: Dementia Awareness Expo – NSW (in-person): A free community event raising awareness of dementia, brain health and local support services. Includes information stalls, presentations, creative activities, therapy dogs, physical activity demonstrations and a lived experience panel. This will take place on Thursday 25 September, 10am–1pm at Bryan Brown Theatre, Bankstown. More information here.

Staying at Home: Overnight Respite Retreat – QLD, TAS and NT (in-person): A carer wellbeing and respite retreat for people supporting someone living with dementia. The program provides time for connection, information and carer wellbeing. Tuesday 22 September to Thursday 24 September on the Sunshine Coast, QLD. Tuesday 17 November to Thursday 19 November in Grindelwald, TAS. Tuesday 8 September in Darwin, NT. More information here.

Culture & Dementia online course – National (online): MCCI offers free online CALDWays courses designed to support culturally inclusive care, including Culture & Dementia and Culture & Palliative Aged Care. These may be useful for community members, carers and volunteers wanting to better understand culturally responsive support. More information here.

Carers WA Conference 2026 – WA (in-person/online): A free conference designed to inform, support and celebrate carers across Western Australia. The event includes lived experience speakers, practical information and opportunities to connect. Thursday 8 October, 8am–4pm AWST at Optus Stadium, Burswood, with online attendance available. More information and registration here.

Carer Expo 2026 – SA (in-person): A free expo for unpaid carers, including people caring for someone with dementia, disability, chronic illness, mental illness, terminal illness or age-related frailty. Thursday 1 October, 10am–2:30pm at St Clair Recreation Centre, Woodville. More information and registration here.

Carer Conversations: Proactive Group for FTD – ACT/NSW (online): An online group for carers supporting someone living with frontotemporal dementia. This may be useful for carers seeking connection, information and shared understanding. Wednesday 26 August at 10am. More information here.

Carers Network – NSW (in-person): A regular opportunity for carers to connect with others, share experiences and learn about supports available in the community. Sessions run on the third Thursday of each month in Woollahra. More information and registration here.

What you need to know about dementia care – NSW (in-person): A free session for families, friends and carers of people living with dementia. Speakers will discuss lived experience, diagnosis, what to expect and where to find support. Friday 25 September, 10am–11:30am at Woollahra Library, Double Bay. More information and registration here.

Understanding Your In-Home Aged Care Options – NSW (in-person): A free session explaining in-home aged care options, including government-funded and private services. Suitable for older people and carers wanting to better understand CHSP, Support at Home and choosing a provider. Wednesday 30 September, 12:30–1:30pm at Vaucluse Bowling Club. More information and registration here.

Estate Planning – NSW (in-person/remote option): A free session presented by NSW Trustee and Guardian covering wills, powers of attorney and planning ahead. Suitable for older people, carers and families. Wednesday 28 October, 1–2pm at Woollahra, with remote attendance option. More information and registration here.

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